The Thirteenth Alabama infantry was organized at Montgomery, July, 1861. It was warmly
engaged at Seven Pines, May 31 to June 1, 1862, and in the battles around Richmond, June
26 to July 1, 1862. It also participated in the Maryland campaign and was engaged in the
battles of Boonsboro, September 15th, and Sharpsburg, September 17th, and was present at
Fredericksburg December 13th, but owing to its position was not engaged. It was particularly
distinguished in the assault upon Hooker at Chancellorsville, May 1 to 4, 1863, and was
superb in its charge at Gettysburg, where it planted its colors on the crest of the ridge,
suffering frightfully in killed and wounded. It also took part in the battles of the Wilderness,
and in the numerous engagements around Petersburg, June, 1864, to the surrender at
Appomattox in April, 1865.
Among its killed were: Capt. John D. Clarke, at Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862; Adjt. John
W. Rentz, at Sharpsburg; Maj. John T. Smith, at Chancellorsville; Adjt. L. P. Broughton, at
the Wilderness; Capt. R. M. Cook, at Second Cold Harbor; Lieut. David R. Staggers, near
Bristoe Station. Among the other field officers were: Birkett D. Fry, afterward
distinguished as a brigadier-general; Col. James Aiken, Lieut.-Cols. Julius C. Mitchell, Samuel B. Marks,
Reginald H. Dawson, William H. Betts and Maj. John D. Smith.